Release System

ABSTRACT

Systems that may be used to quickly remove gear having straps from a user&#39;s body. Certain embodiments provide a housing into which multiple plugs may be inserted. A strap may be secured to each plug, and the straps may be used to secure gear to a user&#39;s body. When it is desired to remove the gear, a user may disengage all of the plugs either by pulling on individual tabs coupled to each plug, or by pulling on a master tab coupled to more than one plug. Release members within the housing eject the plugs from the housing such that the user does not need to manually remove the plugs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following invention relates to release systems that may be used to quickly and easily remove gear that has straps from a user's body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A user might wear some type of gear on their body, including but not limited to military tactical vests, backpacks, hiking gear, diving equipment, parachutes, garments, or any other type of pack. The gear may include a plurality of straps that are secured to a user's body to form a secure fit. For example, there may be one strap secured around a user's left shoulder, one around the right shoulder, straps secured around the user's torso, and so on.

In such systems the gear may be removed by slipping the straps off the user's body. This method may take a long time, because each strap must be separately removed from whatever extremity it is secured around. Additionally, as the number of straps increases, the number of movements required to remove the gear also increases. There is an increased risk of confusion and/or entanglement as the number of movements increases. Finally, slipping the straps off a user's body requires a certain amount of space—a user must move his or her shoulders, elbows, etc. to remove the gear. If the user is in a confined area, his or her movement may be restricted such that the user cannot readily remove the gear.

Although slipping off the straps may be sufficient when time and/or restrictions on movement are not at issue, in other situations, it may be required to remove the gear more quickly or easily. For example, in a military setting the user might face danger, and might need to remove the gear quickly to escape the danger. If the user is inside of a military vehicle (for example, inside of a cockpit of an airplane), then movement may be restricted and the user may not be able to readily remove the gear. In a diving setting, the user might need to remove the diving equipment quickly in order to be unencumbered for easy swimming. In such situations, every moment counts and it is thus desirable to remove the gear as quickly as possible.

Systems have been developed to allow gear having straps to be removed quickly. In some systems, buckles are secured to each individual strap, and the buckle may be disengaged by manually pressing on a release mechanism associated with each buckle. In other systems rings and hooks are associated with each individual strap, and the system may be disengaged by un-hooking each ring. Once disengaged, the gear falls off the user's body. But such systems are problematic in that it takes time to disengage each individual buckle and/or hook. Additionally, such systems are static in that there is no ejection when the buckles and/or hooks are disengaged. For example, a buckle that is inserted into a housing might remain in that housing due to a friction fits even when the buckle is disengaged. The buckle is not ejected from the housing. Rather, either the force of gravity removes the buckle from the housing or the user grasps the buckle and removes it from the housing.

Thus, there is a need for a system that may be used to quickly and easily remove gear having a plurality of straps from a user's body.

Specifically, there is a need to reduce the amount of time it takes to remove gear from a user's body.

There is also a need to reduce the number of movements required to remove gear from a user's body.

There is also a need for an active system that does not necessarily require the force of gravity or force applied by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a housing into which a plurality of plugs may be inserted. Actuating members contained within the housing engage the plugs in the engaged position, keeping the plugs secured within the housing. A strap may be secured to each plug, and the straps may be used to secure gear to a user's body. When it is desired to remove the gear, a user may disengage all of the plugs with a single movement by pulling on a master tab, or may disengage individual plugs by pulling on individual tabs associated with each plug. Pulling on either of the tabs will cause the actuating members to disengage from the plugs. When the plugs are disengaged they are ejected from the housing by release members. Thus, the user is not required to remove the plugs from the housing manually.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure including the best mode of practicing the appended claims and directed to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification. The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different features is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a release system with plugs in the engaged position according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-C are various views of a housing of a release system according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a side view of an embodiment of a straight plug that may be used in release systems as described herein. FIG. 3B is a top view of the straight plug shown in FIG. 3A with hidden features shown in broken lines.

FIG. 4A is a side view of an embodiment of a first angled plug that may be used in release systems as described herein. FIG. 4B is a top view of the first angled plug shown in FIG. 4A with hidden features shown in broken lines.

FIG. 5A is a side view of an embodiment of a second angled plug that may be used in release systems as described herein. FIG. 5B is a top view of the second angled plug shown in FIG. 5A with hidden features shown in broken lines.

FIG. 6A-B are top views of a release system with a portion of the housing removed. In FIG. 6A, the plugs are shown in the engaged position. In FIG. 6B, the plugs are shown in the disengaged position.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a release system with plugs in the disengaged position according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a release system and gear secured to a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a release system 10 comprising a housing 12 that may receive a plurality of plugs. Each plug may be associated with a strap 42 of gear 100 that may be secured to a user 110, as shown in FIG. 8. As used herein, gear 100 is non-limiting and may include but is not limited to military tactical vests, backpacks, hiking gear, diving equipment, parachutes, or any other type of garment that has straps 42 to secure to a user 110. Although FIG. 8 shows the release system 10 secured to the front of the user 110, the release system 10 may also be positioned in reverse, such that the release system 10 is on the user's 110 back. Likewise, the release system 10 may be oriented in any direction, such that the straight plugs 30 are pointed up, down, or any other direction. Furthermore, although there are only four straps 42 shown in FIG. 8, other embodiments may have fewer or more straps 42.

FIGS. 3-5 show certain embodiments of plugs that may be received by the housing 12. As described in more detail below, there may be provided two straight plugs 30, a first angled plug 32, and a second angled plug 34. Despite their differences, the plugs may all be provided with a body 46 and a tongue 44. The body 46 may include a strap aperture 50 and a securing bar 48 to secure a strap 42. FIG. 1 (inter alia) shows a strap 42 inside the strap aperture 50 and wrapped around the securing bar 48. In other embodiments (not shown) the strap 42 may be secured to the plugs in other ways, such as by sewing, with adhesives, or welding. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the body 46 of the plug is angled with respect to the tongue 44 by the angle β (the “body angle”). The body angle β may provide ergonomic benefits, for example, a plug having a body angle β may fit more securely to a user 110, as shown in FIG. 8. Such a plug may also prevent slippage of the straps 42. If desired, the body angle β provided in the straight plug 30, the first angled plug 32, and the second angled plug 34 may be the same or different.

The plugs differ due to the shape of apertures that are provided in the tongues 44. FIGS. 3A and 3B show straight plug 30 with an engagement aperture 36 that goes straight through the tongue 44. In this embodiment the tip 52 of tongue 44 is rounded, although that shape is in no way limiting and other embodiments might not have a tip 52 that is rounded. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the first angled plug 32 (with engagement aperture 38), and FIGS. 5A and 5B show the second angled plug 34 (with engagement aperture 40). Both engagement apertures 38, 40 are angled with respect to the tongues 44, but as will be described in more detail below, engagement aperture 38 (of first angled plug 32) is angled in an opposite direction than engagement aperture 40 (of second angled plug 34).

In certain embodiments the housing 12 receives the plugs in plug channels. The number and/or positioning of the plugs is by no way limiting, but in certain embodiments, the housing 12 receives the plugs, in a clockwise direction, as follows: a straight plug 30 on the lower left-hand side of the housing 12, a first angled plug 32, a second angled plug 34, and a straight plug 30 on the lower right-hand side of the housing 12. (The designation as “left-hand” and “right-hand” is in no way limiting.) But this embodiment is not limiting, and there may be fewer or more plugs, and the plugs may be positioned anywhere in the housing 12. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, second angled plug 34 is angled with respect to straight plug 30 (on the right-hand side) by the angle α, whereas first angled plug 32 is angled with respect to straight plug 30 (on the left-hand side) by the angle θ. The angles α, θ may range from 0° to 90°. The angles α, θ may be the same, or may be different.

In certain embodiments, the housing 12 is generally rectangular and has a top edge 13. But the rectangular shape is in no way limiting, and other embodiments may include housings 12 having different shapes. The housing 12 may include a first half 14 and a second half 16 that are coupled together. FIGS. 6A and 6B are top views of the release system 10 with a portion of the first half 14 of the housing 12 removed. These figures show portions of channels that are formed in the second half 16 of the housing 12. Although not shown in the figures, one of skill in the art would understand that corresponding portions of channels are formed in the first half 14 of the housing 12. When the first and second halves 14, 16 are coupled together the respective portions of channels form complete channels. For ease of reference, this description refers to the housing 12 as having complete channels (with corresponding reference numbers).

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a straight plug channel 59 (comprising plug channel 60 and release member channel 64) and an actuating member channel 68 that are associated with the straight plug 30 that is on the right-hand side of the housing 12. Although obscured from view in FIGS. 6A and 6B, it should be understood that similar channels may be associated with the straight plug 30 that is on the left-hand side of the housing 12. Similarly, FIGS. 6A and 6B show a second angled plug channel 71 (comprising plug channel 72 and release member channel 76) and an actuating member channel 80 that are associated with the second angled plug 34. It should be understood that similar channels may be associated with the first angled plug 32. In general then, although the following description applies to engagement and disengagement of the straight plug 30 (provided on the right-hand of the housing 12) and the second angled plug 34, it should be understood that the same discussion applies to the straight plug 30 (provided on the left-hand of the housing 12) and the first angled plug 32.

In certain embodiments the straight plug channel 59 comprises a first portion called the plug channel 60 and a second portion called the release member channel 64. A release member 62 is housed within the release member channel 64, and in the engaged position (as shown in FIG. 6A), the tongue 44 of the straight plug 30 is inserted into plug channel 60. Plug channel 60 may have a smaller diameter than release member channel 64 due to the differences in sizes between the tongue 44 and the release member 62. But the respective dimensions of the plug channel 60 or release member channel 64 are not limiting, and in other embodiments, the plug channel 60 may be larger than or the same size as release member channel 64.

In this engaged position, the tongue 44 protrudes into release member channel 64, and the release member 62 is compressed by the tongue 44. An actuating member 66 is provided in an actuating member channel 68, and an actuating spring 70 is coupled to the actuating member 66. In the engaged position, the actuating spring 70 is extended such that the actuating member 66 protrudes into the release member channel 64, and is inserted into the engagement aperture 36 of the straight plug 30. Although the release member 62 tends to apply force on the straight plug 30 in this engaged position (because the release member 62 is compressed), the straight plug 30 is securely engaged because the actuating member 66 is inserted into the engagement aperture 36. Thus, the actuating member 66 applies a resistive force to the straight plug 30.

Similarly, the second angled plug channel 71 comprises plug channel 72 and a release member channel 76. A release member 74 is housed within the release member channel 76, and in the engaged position (as shown in FIG. 6A), the tongue 44 of the second angled plug 34 is inserted into plug channel 72. As described above, plug channel 72 may have a smaller diameter than release member channel 76, an equal diameter, or a larger diameter. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the release member channel 76 comprises an angle. An angled release member channel 76 may be required depending upon the size and/or shape of the housing 12. But in other embodiments with a differently shaped housing 12, the release member channel 76 may not be bent.

In the engaged position the tongue 44 of the second angled plug 34 protrudes into release member channel 76 and compresses release member 74. An actuating member 78 is provided in an actuating member channel 80. An actuating spring 82 is coupled to the actuating member 78. In the engaged position, the actuating spring 82 is extended such that the actuating member 78 protrudes into the release member channel 76, and is received by the engagement aperture 40 of the second angled plug 34. Although the release member 74 tends to apply pressure on the second angled plug 34 (because the release member 74 is compressed), the second angled plug 34 is securely engaged because the actuating member 78 is inserted into the engagement aperture 40. Thus, the actuating member 78 applies a resistive force to the second angled plug 34.

In certain embodiments the actuating members 86, 84, 66, 78 are adjacent to one another and protrude from the top edge 13 of the housing 12. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, actuating members 66, 84 are vertical and actuating members 78, 86 are angled such that they generally point towards the center of the housing 12. This positioning may make it easier for a user 110 to pull on the tabs 90, 92 and release the actuating members 66, 84, 86, 78. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6B, each of the actuating members 66, 84, 86, 78 generally point in the same direction as the force that is used to pull on the tabs 90, 92 (as designated by the arrows).

The positioning of the actuating members may affect the geometry of the engagement apertures of the plugs. For example, actuating member 66 is transverse to straight plug 30, so engagement aperture 36 goes straight through tongue 44 of straight plug 30 (as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In contrast, actuating member 86 is angled to the first angled plug 32, so engagement aperture 38 is angled through the tongue 44 of first angled plug 32 (as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). And finally, actuating member 78 is angled to the second angled plug 34, so engagement aperture 40 is angled through the tongue 44 of second angled plug 34 (as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). Engagement aperture 38 (of the first angled plug 32) is angled in the opposite direction than that of engagement aperture 40 (of the second angled plug 34) because the first angled plug 32 is on the opposite side of the housing 12 than the second angled plug 34. In general, the precise angles of the engagement apertures might differ depending upon the relative positions of the plugs within the housing 12.

FIG. 6B shows the plugs in the disengaged position. The plugs may be disengaged in one of two ways. First, a user 110 may pull on individual tabs 90 to release particular plugs. Each individual tab 90 is coupled to an actuating member. Alternatively, the user 110 may pull on a master tab 92, which is coupled to more than one of the individual tabs 90. The user 110 may use one method or the other depending upon preference or ease of use. In the figures, the master tab 92 is coupled to all four of the individual tabs 90, but in other embodiments the master tab 92 may be coupled to fewer individual tabs 90. There may be provided one or more master tabs 92.

Pulling on the master tab 92 and/or the individual tabs 90 causes the respective actuating member 66, 78 to which that tab 90, 92 is attached to move in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 6B. The actuating springs 70, 82 compress between the housing 12 and the tips 67 of the actuating members 66, 78, and thus act as a stop to prohibit the actuating members 66, 78 from being pulled completely out of the housing 12. When the actuating members 66, 78 move in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 6B, they become disengaged from the respective engagement apertures 36, 40 of the plugs 30, 34. Having been compressed, the release members 62, 74 extend and apply force to the plugs 30, 34 to release the plugs 30, 34 from the housing 12. The release members 62, 74 are prohibited from escaping the housing 12 due to the difference in dimension between the release member channel 64, 76 and the plug channels 60, 72.

In use (such as shown in FIG. 8), straps 42 of gear 100 are secured to the plugs. Thus, when the plugs are disengaged and come out of the housing 12, the straps 42 and the gear 100 are released from the user 110. If the housing 12 is secured to the user 110 or to gear 100 or garments worn by the user 110 by the knobs 18, then the housing 12 will remain secured to the user 110 even when the plugs are released.

The release system 10 may be used again after the plugs have been disengaged. When the user 110 re-inserts straight plug 30 into plug channel 60, straight plug 30 compresses release member 62. As straight plug 30 is inserted further, tongue 44 enters the release member channel 64 and actuating member 66 comes into contact with engagement aperture 36. Actuating spring 70 decompresses, causing actuating member 66 to be inserted into the engagement aperture 36 of straight plug 30. Similarly, when the user 110 re-inserts second angled plug 34 into plug channel 72, the second angled plug 34 compresses release member 74. As the second angled plug 34 is inserted further, tongue 44 enters the release member channel 76 and actuating member 78 comes into contact with the engagement aperture 40. The actuating spring 82 decompresses, causing the actuating member 78 to be inserted into engagement aperture 40 of second angled plug 34. Thus, the plugs 30, 34 become engaged once again.

As shown in FIG. 2A-C, any part of the housing 12 may include optional voids 20 that may be desirable to reduce material costs and/or the weight of the housing 12, or optionally for receiving fasteners (not shown) to secure the first half 14 and the second half 16 of the housing 12 together. The housing 12 may also include knobs 18 or other structure that may be used to secure the housing 12 to the user 110. For example, the knobs 18 may be secured to a shirt worn by the user 110 by sewing, knots, bands, buttons, snaps, or other fasteners. As an alternative to knobs 18, the housing 12 may be provided with other structure (such as protrusions, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners) to secure the housing 12 to the user 110. Thus, when the plugs are disengaged (and the gear 100 falls off the user 110), the housing 12 remains secured to the user 110. This may be useful in order to avoid losing or damaging the housing 12.

The housing 12 may be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to nylon, acetal, or an impact modified polyacetal resin, such as TPOM. The use of such lightweight materials reduce the weight of the release system 10. If desired, the material may be reinforced with fibers, and may include additional additives such as fire retardants. The housing 12 may be made from any one of several manufacturing techniques, including injection molding. The first and second halves 14, 16 may be separately formed and then joined together by any number of methods, including by mechanical means such as snaps or fasteners, or by other methods such as welding or with adhesive. Similarly, the plugs may also be made of nylon, acetal, or an impact modified polyacetal resin (such as TPOM), and may be molded or machined. The actuating members 66, 78 may comprise an elongated cylinder made of any suitable plastic or metal, and may be molded or machined. The release members 62, 74 may be coil springs as shown in the figures, or may additionally be leaf springs or accordion springs.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustration and disclosure of embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of example rather than limitation, and does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 

1. A release system comprising: a housing comprising: a first channel and a second channel; a first release member within a portion of the first channel and a second release member within a portion of the second channel; a first plug inserted into a portion of the first channel and a second plug inserted into a portion of the second channel, wherein each of the first plug and the second plug comprise an engaging member; and a first actuating member and a second actuating member, wherein each of the first and second actuating members are coupled to the housing and are moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein, when the first actuating member is in the first position, the first actuating member is engaged with the engaging member of the first plug to secure the first plug within the housing, and when the second actuating member is in the first position, the second actuating member is engaged with the engaging member of the second plug to secure the second plug within the housing, and wherein, when the first actuating member is in the second position, the first actuating member is disengaged from the engaging member of the first plug and the first release member applies a force to the first plug to release the first plug from the housing, and when the second actuating member is in the second position, the second actuating member is disengaged from the engaging member of the second plug and the second release member applies a force to the second plug to release the second plug from the housing.
 2. The release system as in claim 1, wherein the first and second actuating members are moved into the second position by at least one of applying a force to a master tab coupled to both the first actuating member and the second actuating member, or to individual tabs coupled separately to each of the first actuating member and the second actuating member.
 3. The release system as in claim 1, wherein the engaging member of the first plug comprises an aperture in the first plug, and when the first actuating member is in the first position, the first actuating member is inserted into the aperture of the first plug.
 4. The release system as in claim 1, wherein when the first actuating member is in the first position, the first release member is compressed, and when the first actuating member is in the second position, the first release member extends to thereby apply force to the first plug.
 5. The release system as in claim 1, wherein the first plug and the second plug are each coupled to straps that are secured to gear and worn by a user.
 6. The release system as in claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a third channel and a forth channel, and wherein the release system further comprises: a third release member within a portion of the third channel and a fourth release member within a portion of the forth channel; a third plug inserted into a portion of the third channel and a fourth plug inserted into a portion of the fourth channel, wherein each of the third plug and the fourth plug comprise an engaging member; and a third actuating member and a fourth actuating member, wherein each of the third and forth actuating members are coupled to the housing and are moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein, when the third actuating member is in the first position, the third actuating member is engaged with the engaging member of the third plug to secure the third plug within the housing, and when the fourth actuating member is in the first position, the fourth actuating member is engaged with the engaging member of the fourth plug to secure the fourth plug within the housing, and wherein, when the third actuating member is in the second position, the third actuating member is disengaged from the engaging member of the third plug and the third release member applies force to the third plug to release the third plug from the housing, and when the fourth actuating member is in the second position, the fourth actuating member is disengaged from the engaging member of the fourth plug and the fourth release member applies force to the fourth plug to release the fourth plug from the housing.
 7. A release system comprising: a housing comprising: a first channel and a second channel; a first plug inserted into a portion of the first channel and a second plug inserted into a portion of the second channel; a first release member within a portion of the first channel to contact and apply a force to the first plug and a second release member within a portion of the second channel to contact and apply a force to the second plug; and a first actuating member and a second actuating member, wherein each of the first and second actuating members are coupled to the housing and are moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein, when the first actuating member is in the first position, the first actuating member contacts and applies a resistive force to the first plug to thereby secure the first plug within the housing, and when the second actuating member is in the first position, the second actuating member contacts and applies a resistive force to the second plug to secure the second plug within the housing, and wherein, when the first actuating member is in the second position, the resistive force is removed from the first plug and the force applied by the first release member releases the first plug from the housing, and wherein, when the second actuating member is in the second position, the resistive force is removed from the second plug and the force applied by the second release member releases the second plug from the housing.
 8. The release system as in claim 7, wherein each of the first plug and the second plug comprise an engaging member, and wherein, when the first actuating member is in the first position, the first actuating member is engaged with the engaging member of the first plug to thereby apply a resistive force to the first plug, and wherein, when the second actuating member is in the first position, the second actuating member is engaged with the engaging member of the second plug to thereby apply a resistive force to the second plug.
 9. The release system as in claim 7, wherein at least one of the first actuating member or the second actuating member comprises an elongated cylinder and a spring that is coupled to the elongated cylinder.
 10. The release system as in claim 7, wherein at least one of the housing, the first plug, or the second plug is comprised of at least one of nylon, acetal, an impact modified polyacetal resin, or TPOM.
 11. The release system as in claim 7, wherein the first release member and the second release member comprise at least one of a coil spring, a leaf spring, or an accordion spring.
 12. A release system comprising: a housing comprising: a first channel and a second channel; a first plug inserted into a first portion of the first channel and a second plug inserted into a first portion of the second channel; a first release member within a second portion of the first channel to contact and apply a force to the first plug, wherein the force tends to push the first plug out of the housing; a second release member within a second portion of the second channel to contact and apply a force to the second plug, wherein the force tends to push the second plug out of the housing; a first actuating member coupled to the housing to contact and apply a resistive force to the first plug, wherein the resistive force secures the first plug within the housing; and a second actuating member coupled to the housing to contact and apply a resistive force to the second plug, wherein the resistive force secures the second plug within the housing.
 13. The release system as in claim 12, wherein each of the first and second actuating members are moveable between a first position and a second position, and wherein, when the first actuating member is in the first position, the first plug is secured within the housing, and wherein, when the second actuating member is in the first position, the second plug is secured within the housing.
 14. The release system as in claim 13, wherein, when the first actuating member is in the second position, the resistive force is removed from the first plug and the force applied by the first release member releases the first plug from the housing, and wherein, when the second actuating member is in the second position, the resistive force is removed from the second plug and the force applied by the second release member releases the second plug from the housing.
 15. The release system as in claim 12, wherein the first portion of the first channel is provided at an angle to the first portion of the second channel, and wherein the angle is less than 90°.
 16. The release system as in claim 12, wherein a diameter of the first portion of the first channel is smaller than a diameter of the second portion of the first channel, and wherein a diameter of the first portion of the second channel is smaller than a diameter of the second portion of the second channel.
 17. The release system as in claim 12, wherein the first portion of the first channel is coaxial with the second portion of the first channel.
 18. The release system as in claim 12, wherein the housing is approximately rectangular-shaped and comprises an edge.
 19. The release system as in claim 18, wherein the first actuating member and the second actuating member are received within the housing and protrude from the edge of the housing.
 20. The release system as in claim 12, wherein the housing further comprises a first actuating member channel that receives the first actuating member and a second actuating member channel that receives the second actuating member.
 21. The release system as in claim 20, wherein the first actuating member channel is transverse to and intersects with the second portion of the first channel, and wherein the second actuating member channel is provided at an angle of less than 90° to the second portion of the second channel, and intersects with the second portion of the second channel. 